Raise a glass or two to return of beer and cider festival
ASHBOURNE Beer and Cider Festival returns in just over a fortnight’s time, and organisers have announced a full line-up of the drinks that will be on offer.
Despite the annual event having to downsize in its first year back following the pandemic, due to a reconfiguration of Ashbourne Town Hall to make room for a new heritage centre, festival-goers will find themselves spoilt for choice next month, as there will be 35 beers lined up, alongside 18 ciders and four gins.
The festival, which begins on Thursday, September 8, and runs until Saturday, September 10, is put together by the Ashbourne sub-branch of the Campaign for Real Ale and organised by members, who rely on a small team of volunteers.
The beer choices have a focus on breweries from either Derbyshire or adjacent counties, with Aldwark Artisan Ales, Dovedale Brewery, former Ashbourne brewery Leatherbritches, Alton’s Peakstones Rock, and Hartington’s Whim all putting barrels forward.
The cider selection has been curated by award-winning producers Kniveton Cider, which will be providing three of their popular tipples, alongside a hand-picked line-up of traditional full-juice ciders and perries from small-batch producers, many of which are appearing for the first time.
Derbyshire distillery Shining Cliff
will be hosting the gin bar, with four of its gins, plus a gold medal-winning whisky, and a rum.
Festival organiser Graham Burke said: “After all the trials and tribulations of the past two-and-a-half years, we are really pleased to be able to get the festival up and running again.
“It’s the 10th anniversary year of the first festival in March 2013, famously held during one of the heaviest snowfalls in 50 years.
“That seemed the biggest challenge we could face putting on a festival, but who knew what was to come?
“The world has changed in these recent times in many ways, and our festival is no exception as we have had to scale back on past offerings in order to get the festival all onto one floor of the venue.
“Our aim is, of course, to showcase brilliant real ales and ciders, but with a reduced capacity and room to squeeze everything in, we have decided to go with some smaller casks of ale and there will be no live music this time around – much better for chatting and ordering drinks without hand signals!
“With a reduced capacity of just over 200, we may find times when we have to control entry, but we do look forward to welcoming everyone that wants to join us.”
There will be no hot food at this year’s festival, but organisers will be championing the local food outlets, and guests are welcome to bring takeaways into the festival.
There is now no disabled access to the venue, and the first floor festival is up two flights of stairs. No under 18s will be served alcohol, but dogs are still welcome.
Entrance is £4, but free to CAMRA members, and the check-in desk will accept payment by any debit or credit card, or cash.
This year’s festival charity is the children’s respite centre Go Beyond, at Fenny Bentley, formerly known as Chicks.
The first session, on the Thursday, will run from 6pm until 10pm, and the Friday and Saturday sessions will run from noon until 11pm.
To find out more, search Facebook for Ashbourne Beer and Cider Festival.